He joined the Nashville Symphony in 1978. In addition to his position with the NSO, he is an active studio musician; part owner of Aardworks Publishing Company; a member of the Jack Daniels Silver Cornet Band; and a tuba instructor at Vanderbilt University's Blair School of Music. Gilbert holds a bachelor's degree in tuba from the University of Louisville and completed work towards a master's degree at Austin Peay State University. His hobbies include golfing, jogging, water skiing, motorcycling and biking. He's also an elder at Bellevue Presbyterian Church.